Re: long trip
Hey Paul...
Glad to hear the trip planning is underway... I'd take some tie downs and a couple lengths of chain and quick links... In case the tie downs on the rig are either not there, or no good... and in case there is no chain from the trailer to the bow eye, or maybe no safety chains on the trailer.
Does the trailer have a spare? If not, I'd take one with me or buy one down there. As others have said, bottle jack, good tire iron, grease... flashlight, tub of waterless hand cleaner, some scraps of wood to use for blocking if needed. A hunk of 4x4 and some tie downs can get you moving again if you break a trailer spring. (have done that one more than once)
As for the outdrive, it will probably need to be tilted all the way up for clearance... you might want to put a tie down around it and secure it to either the tube pulling hardware, or a stern eye so that it doesn't move around side to side... It seems one's with power steering are less inclined to move around on their own.... But.. when I first got my boat I used a tie down around the LU to the tube-pulling hardware... in case there was a run down of the tilt/trim while driving.... I thought it would be lousy to get home and find the drive had slowly sunk and ground on the pavement.
I have used a big plasticy gunnie sack thing around the lower unit wrapped with bungies when I've towed things before, but I'm usually thinking more about stone chips from gravel (or to keep mice/critters out of LU for over-winter storage). I guess something like that would keep the salt off too.
You might also consider doing some research of either garages/trailer/bearing supply places on your route (and enter in your cell phone)... in case you break a spring or bearing or something and need to find help/parts.
Also, you probably already know this, but stop and feel the hubs for heat buildup after a few miles, again after 30 min's or so, and then anytime you stop for gas/snacks etc.
A word or warning... when I last bought a boat trailer, the guy said he had "just repacked" the bearings himself and they were good to go.... I used it for one trip, they didn't heat up, but then I had some time so I decided to inspect them.... Previous owner had applied 1 dab of grease to the outside bearing (obviously had not removed the nut, just pushed a little grease around, mostly onto, the washer).... outer bearing itself still had mostly old grease in it.. the inner bearings were not quite dry, but almost.... They had not received grease/attention in a long time and felt worn. I'd wager the previous owner did not know there was another set of bearings behind the hub. So, I replaced all the bearings and added bearing buddies. The shop you bought from probably did a better job, but I myself don't usually feel good about trailer bearings until I've done them myself... I've seen even experienced people apply an amazingly small amount of grease (rather than really pack the bearing and fill the hub). Depending how paranoid you are, it might be worth 15 min to jack up a wheel, feel for play, and then pop the dust cover off to see how much (or little) grease there is on the outers...
Last thing that's handy to bring is spouse and/or kids... gives you more "duty free" allowance at the border.
Good luck! Drop me a note when you get back.
